I moved to Canada in December 2019, just before COVID. And I instantly fell in love with this beautiful country. Like many international students, I started from scratch.
For the first two years, life was intense. I slept 4–5 hours a night, worked three jobs, and attended classes five days a week. I pushed through exhaustion, paid my own tuition, and graduated with strong results.
After graduation, things started to fall into place. I secured a role at one of the top banks in the country, something I had worked toward for years. I kept growing, earned promotions every year for three consecutive years, and by 2025, I was performing at the top of my district.
Then everything changed.
My work permit expired, and I couldn’t secure permanent residency. The last year in Canada felt completely different from the place I had fallen in love with. I felt stuck, uncertain, and disconnected.
I stopped taking care of myself. I was drinking almost every day. I distanced myself from my parents and friends. I gained weight and slowly lost my sense of identity.
There was a point where things got so dark that I almost made a decision I wouldn’t have come back from (thanks to Ontario police)
I didn’t go through with it. And that decision changed everything.
I returned home. The first few months were difficult. I barely stepped outside. I felt embarrassed. The constant questions from others made it worse.
But my family stood by me. They supported me through a phase where I couldn’t even recognize myself.
Slowly, I started rebuilding. I began working again, used my international experience, and took things one step at a time.
Two days ago, I received my passport back with the stamp.
This post is for anyone who feels like they’re stuck or falling behind. Things can change, even when it feels impossible.
Looking back, I wish I had allowed myself to enjoy the journey more. I wish I hadn’t let negative thoughts take over to the point where I lost who I was.
Life doesn’t always move the way you plan. But it moves.
If you’re going through a difficult phase, hold on. Stay in the game.
Things can turn around when you least expect it.
Here’s my CEC Outland application timeline for reference:
November 13 – ITA
November 17 – Medical
November 19 – PCC
December 17 – Submission
February 11 – Biometrics
March 24 – PPR
March 31 – Passport Submission
April 28 – Passport received with COPR!
Wishing strength and clarity to anyone on a similar path.